Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Missouri

To get a Missouri real estate license you must be 18+, complete 72 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $816–$1,632 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).

DABy Diego Alvarez-Cruz
Rental Market Analyst
EPReviewed by Elena Park
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
Pre-license hours
72
State-approved
Licensing exam
Pearson VUE
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$816+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Missouri path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Missouri also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 72 hours of approved pre-license education

Missouri requires 72 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Missouri licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Missouri-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Missouri salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC)

Visit →

A Missouri real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Missouri agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).

Missouri markets
Kansas City, MO real estate market→St. Louis, MO real estate market→

Missouri real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Missouri?
Missouri requires 72 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Missouri-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Missouri real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $816–$1,632 all-in for Missouri. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Missouri?
Most people finish the 72-hour Missouri coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Missouri?
No. Missouri does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 72 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
Who regulates real estate agents in Missouri?
The Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) issues licenses and sets the rules for Missouri real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Missouri licensing rules.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Missouri are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) before enrolling.
EP

Elena Park Licensed Real Estate Broker

Elena Park is a licensed real estate broker who reviews WealthyBud's licensing, salary and market guides for accuracy before publication, checking figures against primary government and regulator sources.